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GMC Acadia

The GMC Acadia is a full-sized crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) manufactured by General Motors under the GMC division. The vehicle uses the GM Lambda platform like other SUVs such as the (now defunct) Saturn Outlook, Buick Enclave, and Chevrolet Traverse.

The GMC Acadia was introduced in 2006 as a replacement for three vehicles on the Pontiac-Buick-GMC network, namely the GMC Envoy, Pontiac Montana SV6, and GMC Safari Van. Pontiac is now defunct. The Acadia represents GMC’s entry-level SUV with truck-like underpinnings. It is the first vehicle from GMC to have a unibody chassis, and is the first front-drive passenger and crossover SUV.

The GMC Acadia began production in 2007. For its first model year, the GMC Acadia was offered in two trim levels, the SLE and SLT. GMC continues to offer these trim levels for 2012.

About the GMC Acadia

The GMC Acadia is known for being the first ever crossover SUV offered under the GMC brand. The division gains notice for its truck lineup, but the GMC Acadia paves the way to a completely new sector in the U.S. automotive market. The Acadia design aims to suit large families that need more cargo space than the average family car. This crossover vehicle from GMC offers room for a maximum of 8 passengers. The storage space behind the rear seats amount to 19 cubic feet, which can be increased further by folding down the rear seats.

Specifications aside, the GMC Acadia combines three things that targeted customers look for: ample cargo space, performance, and comfort features. However, the lack of maneuverability due to its large size, as well as poor rear visibility, hampers the vehicle’s overall popularity.

In terms of safety, the GMC Acadia improves on that of previous SUVs. The vehicle has a unibody construction, which helps to lower its center of gravity, reducing the risk of rollovers considerably when compared to previous SUVs from General Motors. The chassis of the GMC Acadia uses a considerable amount of high-strength steel, especially in the cross-car beams across the floors between the B-pillars. Additionally, the GMC Acadia comes with six airbags, including two dual-stage airbags up front, two seat-mounted airbags for first row passengers, and two head curtain airbags that span all three rows. A detection system similar to the one in the Volvo XC90 deploys these airbags whenever a rollover is detected.

GMC Acadia Features

The 2012 GMC Acadia comes in the following trim levels: SL, SLE, SLT1, and SLT2. The GMC Acadia Denali serves as the top-end variant. The GMC Acadia SL marks the base model with a 3.6-liter SIDI V-6 engine under the hood. This engine design offers fuel-efficient performance and powers all other models of the Acadia as well.

The SLE provides more creature comforts on the inside, including a leather steering wheel cover, an eight-way power seat for the driver, and a Bluetooth calling system. The SLT1 offers tri-zone HVAC climate control, a Bose 10-speaker audio system, and ultra-soft leather covered seats. The exterior is also visibly different with bright moldings on the beltline, 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and body colored mirrors. The SLT2 offers all the features on the SLT1, along with additional features such as power windows and mirrors and memory seats. GMC offers heated seats as an option on the SLT2.

GMC Acadia Evolution

The GMC Acadia initially came in two trim levels: SLE and SLT. The vehicle has a wheelbase of 118.9 inches and a 67.28-inch width for front and rear tracks. A MacPherson strut suspension is provided for the front, while the rear sports an H linked design for a smooth ride when compared to traditional SUVs. Both front and rear suspensions are independent of each other. The LY7 V-6 engine powers all models of the GMC Acadia. Four-wheel disc brakes and ABS come standard on all models of the GMC Acadia, irrespective of trim level.

The GMC Acadia Denali was offered in dealerships by the third quarter of 2010. It serves as a 2011 production model and an upgraded variant of the GMC Acadia. Unlike other versions of the Acadia, the Denali offers front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. Its honeycomb grille, monotone paint, HID headlights, front and rear fascias, six-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels, chrome accents, and exhausts tips distinguish it from other Acadia models. On the inside, the GMC Acadia Denali uses a unique wood trim on the dash and perforated leather trims on the seats. 2011 marks the first year GMC used the Denali badge on its crossover SUVs, and the vehicle continued production in 2012 with very few changes.

GMC’s Denali trim level for the 2011 Acadia offers a host of upgrades for buyers looking to go upscale, including 20-inch rims, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and unique exterior trim pieces on the outside, and top grade leather and wood furnishings inside. Other updates to the 2011 Acadia range include OnStar’s Gen 9 package, new Cyber Gray Metallic and Gray Green Metallic colors, and an available eight-way power driver seat.